Governor Bars State from Asking Job Applicants About Felony Records
CBS Chicago, October 7, 2013
Illinoisans with a felony on their records will no longer be asked about their criminal past when they apply for state jobs.
Promoting the decision to what he calls “Ban the Box,” State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford (D-Chicago) says the governor’s administrative order doesn’t mean private employers will be required to hire ex-cons. It simply means applications for state government jobs will no longer include a box indicating whether an applicant has pled guilty, or been convicted of a criminal offense, other than a minor traffic violation.
State agencies would still be allowed to conduct background checks, and request information on criminal convictions, but not until later in the process.
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As for himself, the lawmaker says he anticipates federal bank fraud charges against him–unrelated to his service in the General Assembly–being tossed out of court soon.
